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Passenger Injured in Fatal Motorcycle Crash on US-19 at Congress Ave

Motorcycle lays in the roadway after impact with pickup truck on US19
Motorcycle lays in the roadway after its impact with a pickup truck on US-19 at Congress Avenue

Passenger Injured in Fatal Motorcycle Crash on US-19 at Congress Ave

Posted: November 8, 2015

At approximately 6:13 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2015, reports of a crash involving a motorcycle were received.

Units from Dunedin Fire Rescue along with Sunstar Paramedics, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded.

The 2002 Ford F150 that entered the path of the motorcyclist
The 2002 Ford F150 that entered the path of the motorcyclist

A 2002 Ford F150 was being driven by 70 year-old Walter Hertrich of Palm Harbor, Florida. Hertrich was traveling northbound on US-19 and attempted to make a left turn onto Congress Avenue according to FHP.

Emergency crews survey the scene at US-19 and Congress Avenue
Emergency crews survey the scene at US-19 and Congress Avenue

56 year-old Lawrence Silva of Dunedin and his passenger, 59 year-old Laurel Silva, were traveling southbound on a 2003 Kawasaki motorcycle on US-19 and struck the side of the F150 during its turn.

Both occupants of the motorcycle were ejected following the impact.  Lawrence Silva sustained fatal injuries and expired at the scene of the crash.  Laurel Silva was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital in critical condition according to FHP.

FHP reports that neither motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and charges are listed as pending. Alcohol does not appear to have been played a role in the crash.

According to a witness on-scene, the truck had a sign for the company, Dependable Lawn & Shrub Care which was removed soon after the crash.  That company is listed as being owned by Walter Hertrich.

FHP continues their investigation.

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